Mobile Healthcare Adoption among Patients in a Developing Country Environment: Exploring the Influence of Age and Gender Differences


  •  Khaled Faqih    
  •  Mohammed-Issa Jaradat    

Abstract

This research was motivated by two considerations: (1) Mobile-based technologies have the potential to improve the delivery process of healthcare services, and (2) limited research has been implemented worldwide to focus on patients’ perceptions towards the adoption of mobile healthcare, particularly in developing country environment. This research proposes an extended TAM model as a research framework to better understand the adoption process of mobile healthcare among patients. To serve the objectives of this study, a paper questionnaire was employed to collect data. Previously validated set of measurement items were used to develop the survey instrument. The proposed research model was validated using the PLS-SEM approach (WarpPLS 4.0) with a sample of 366 respondents. The results of the current study have provided adequate statistical support for the extended TAM model. With the exception of cost, all external variables incorporated in this model (including perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social influence, trust, and security/privacy) are found influential in shaping the patients’ perceptions towards the adoption of mobile-healthcare technology. In addition, the current study demonstrates that demographic variables of age and gender have considerable moderating influence on the adoption of mobile technologies in healthcare systems in Jordan. The current research model can serve as a blueprint for future expansion of research in this vital field of study. Theoretical contributions, practical implications and future research directions of the study are also addressed.

 



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